Fila USA formally announced that it has signed a two- year extension with the USTA to remain the official footwear and tennis apparel sponsor of the U.S. Open through 2001 (see THE DAILY, 7/17). Fila's U.S. Open-licensed collection will debut fall 2001 and will be worn on-court by company endorsers Mark Philippoussis, Jennifer Capriati and Jelena Dokic (Fila). In Baltimore, Lorraine Mirabella reported that the deal is Fila's "first multi-year agreement" with the USTA and the "first to include a separate licensing arrangement in which" the company will sell a collection through various retail outlets. Fila is designing products such as polo shirts, tennis shorts, warm-up suits and fleece pullovers. Mirabella cited sources as saying that Fila will "likely invest at least" $2M over two years in "sponsorship fees and royalties on sales of the co-branded merchandise." Fila USA VP/Advertising Howe Burch said that the company is "regain[ing] interest" among U.S. consumers: "In terms of tennis, we're showing significant increases versus a year ago, and a lot of that has to do with re-establishing our presence through these events." The Sports Authority VP/Merchandising Michael McGuinn added Fila is "coming on strong and being recognized at retail by customers in being a leader in tennis footwear and apparel" (Balt. SUN, 7/18).